Alex Van Helsing: Voice of the Undead by Jason Henderson

This second installment of the Alex Van Helsing series does not disappoint.  For the Alex history lesson and review of the first book, Alex Van Helsing: Vampire Rising, see Bel’s fantastic review here!  This time, our hero finds himself the target of the Icemaker’s vampire coven.  On his way back to Glenarvon Academy from training exercises with the Polidorium, Alex is attacked by Elle, one of the vampires he bested in Vampire Rising.  Alex escapes, but unfortunately the attack has unforeseen consequences and Glenarvon is nearly destroyed, forcing the students of the all boys school to move into Minhi’s school, LaLaurie, an all girls academy. 

The Polidorium discovers that Icemaker has brought in “The Voice” a vampire henchman to achieve his evil goals.  While the Polidorium scrambles to find out Icemaker’s end-game, Alex and his friends are face attacks from Elle and the Voice.  Of course, the usual shenanigans ensue, culminating in the showdown during a formal event. 

There were lots of twists and surprises in Voice of the Undead.  I will not get spoilery on you, but Alex gets a new love interest with a few of her own secrets, we get to learn more about Alex’s family and Alex’s roommate Sid gets to share more of his vampire knowledge.  One of my favorite lines shows that someone was well taught: “It occurred to him at that moment that the men wear black and white because they are essentially intended to be invisible next to the women in the gowns.” p. 137.

My love of the Alex Van Helsing books is pretty well documented and that love continues.  This book is fast-paced and fun. I enjoy the way the author illustrates Alex’s thought process when facing stressful situations. I also enjoy that while Alex is extraordinary in many ways, we also see how in many ways, Alex is a typical 14 year old.  It was reminiscent of reading The Hardy Boys, except with vampires and cooler gadgets!  All in all, I say 4.5 stars and I cannot wait for Alex No. 3!  I also cannot wait until my 4 year old nephew is old enough to read Alex.  Please tell me it is coming soon!

~Shel